But they stressed that they were sticking by what they describe as the international definition of net migration.

BBC: Foreign students to stay in migration figures

They also ask the prime minister to "reconcile the remaining tensions between visa policy and aspirations for growth by removing international students from the net migration target".

BBC: PM urged to rethink student visas policy

The response said "the government recognised the important contribution that international students make to the economy", but that it was "also committed to reducing net migration".

BBC: Foreign students to stay in migration figures